Best Coffee Machine Pods
Pod coffee machines make it easy to get your caffeine fix in the morning. They are faster than traditional machines due to the fact that they utilize pre-packaged pods to serve espresso or ground coffee.
Choose a pod coffee machine that allows you to adjust the temperature and cup size. Make sure the machine is compatible with reused pods.
1. Nespresso Vertuo
Nespresso is a market leader in pod-brewing, and a favourite of espresso lovers. The capsules and machines made by the company are highly evaluated in terms of quality and sustainability. The capsules are made from 80 percent recyclable materials and are compostable. They are less plastic-based and have a smaller carbon footprint than traditional coffee bags. Nespresso also has a partnership with organizations that are certified green to encourage fair working conditions and sustainable farming.
The Nespresso Vertuo range includes several machines which produce a rich, delicious cup of espresso or coffee with a great crema. The VertuoPlus X and VertuoPlus Deluxe models come with advanced features such as automatic heating of milk and customizable drinks settings. They are simple to use and feature a sleek style that looks great on your kitchen counter.
Both the X and Deluxe models have a large water reservoir and a slender machine body. Centrifusion, a brand new extraction technology, uses up to 7,500 rotations per minute to make coffee or espresso. This technique helps create a consistent and smooth crema with a high degree of saturation even in smaller cups.
Nespresso's capsules are a bit more expensive than the third-party compatible pods available in grocery stores and online retailers, but they come with a many different flavors and intensity levels to choose from. The company also releases limited-edition products. The machines are extremely user-friendly and the Vertuoline requires fewer steps than the first Nespresso line which only produces espresso.
Vertuoline offers two sizes of capsules that are smaller espresso sizes and the gran lungo size - for those who prefer drinks with a shorter length. The larger alto and mug capsules are suitable for hearty and mug-sized drinks that require more intensely roasted coffee. Unlike some of the other pod machines we tried, the Nespresso Vertuoline also makes a good cup of drip coffee.
2. Illy X7.1
This pod coffee machine is a top-quality machine made from tough and attractive materials. It's slightly more expensive than the other machines that we tested, but it offers reliable, high-quality performance and features a beautiful design.
The X7.1 uses a new patented system that reads the custom barcode on each capsule to determine. It then pre-wettes it, infuses it and then dispensing the correct amount of water automatically. This is a major benefit for those who prefer hassle-free automation. However, it could be a problem for those who love to alter settings and choose their own brew strength and size. The machine can dispense espresso double espresso, gran lungo alto and mug drinks with a smooth layer of crema.
The X7.1 is not only a standout in terms of its brewing technology, but also for other features. It is among a handful of coffee makers we tested that have the ability to adjust the height of the tray in order to alter the size and shape the coffee cup. It also comes with a stainless steel milk jug for making cappuccinos and lattes. The X7.1 is also equipped with an energy-saving sleep mode and pod holders that are detachable to simplify cleaning.
Compatible with All Keurig K-Cups, Nespresso capsules and Bruvi B-Pods. These pods differ from K-Cups or other popular pods because they contain ground coffee instead of a teabag and have more caffeine than regular espresso. 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 create frosty cappuccinos and lattes.
3. Grind One
The Grind One, designed in Stockholm, may be the best option for you if you don't enjoy the plasticy Nespresso capsules 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 which looks stunning and is simple to use. It's as simple as putting a coffee pod into the inlet, select either the short lungo or express, and then press the button. The flashing light indicates whether the coffee is in the process of brewing or ready. There's no milk cup or steam wand, however you can add hot or cold milk to your coffee as you please.
This machine is designed to work with Grind’s own reusable, recyclable and compostable pods. This means that you're not only reducing your coffee waste (which can take hundreds of years to break down) but the pods themselves are made of no plastic and are also organic. They cost about 50p each, and you can dump them in your garden compost or in your food waste bin after they're empty.
The Grind One costs PS275 and you can purchase it with an option that includes milk frother for an additional PS325. It's more expensive than most Nespresso pod machines, but it is a sleek, well-designed, and versatile machine. It's also the smallest of the bunch so it doesn't require too much countertop space, and it comes with a raised drip tray that connects to a series of notches next to the waste bin for height adjustment.
4. Grind 2
If you're looking for a simple and quick cup of coffee, this pod machine takes the hassle out making espresso. It can make a short 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 warm chestnut colour and last until the final sip) and temperature were perfect. Its sleek style and durable appealing materials also helped it stand out from the rest.
Our coffee enthusiast also tested the Grind One to see if it was user-friendly. The switch is heavy-duty and is comfortable to use and allows you to program your preferred short or long shot, and a crisp display. You can set it to automatically dispensing hot water with your coffee to help the ground settle and improves the taste 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 including grinding or dosing and tamping of the ground beans. This decreases the amount of items that need to be cleaned up and reused and makes them a more suitable choice for those without much kitchen space. If you're looking to broaden your options, you can use a separate milk frother to make cappuccinos and lattes. You can also choose a manual press such as the Aeropress that has a smaller carbon footprint and a more rich flavor than a machine. It's a bit more work, so it's not suitable for everyone.
5. Lavazza Idola
This model isn't as expensive as the Lavazza Voicy pod machine, but it's ideal for those who like espresso, ristretto, or caffe longo. It's also one of the quietest machines on the market, meaning you can grab your morning cup of coffee while your kids are asleep.
best cappuccino machine can program the size of your cup according to your preferences and there's also the option of an increase in temperature to push your brew through at the press of an button. It's easy to keep on top of maintenance with alerts that notify you when the capsule bin needs emptying or if the water tank is running low.
The machine doesn't frost milk however it can be used to make cappuccinos or flat whites by using an additional container. There are many positive reviews from customers on Amazon and at John Lewis. They laud the quiet operation and the various options offered by the machine, such as different lengths of brews, as well as an adequate capacity for used capsules.
There aren't a lot of customer reviews however the consensus is that it is an excellent pod coffee maker if you prefer a simple set-up. It's more expensive than Nespresso Vertuo Pop but comes with the top Lavazza pods. It is also one of the quietest machines available. It's not ideal if you want to make more than two types of coffee however, so we'd recommend one of our top-rated alternatives for what you're looking for. For more information, read our full Lavazza Idola review.