Best Coffee Machine Pods
Pod coffee machines make it easy to get your caffeine fix in the morning. Contrary to conventional machines they can dispense pre-packed pods of ground coffee or espresso to accelerate the process.
Select a pod coffee maker that allows you to alter the temperature and cup size. Also, make sure that the machine can handle reused pods.
1. Nespresso Vertuo
Nespresso is a leader in pod-brewing and a favorite of espresso drinkers. The company's machines and capsules are highly rated for both quality and sustainability. The capsules are made of 80 percent recyclable materials and are fully compostable. They are less plastic-based and have a smaller carbon footprint than traditional coffee bags. Additionally, Nespresso partners with green-certified organisations to promote responsible farming and fair labour practices.
The Nespresso Vertuo line includes several machines that make a rich and delicious cup of espresso or coffee with a perfect crema. The VertuoPlus X and VertuoPlus Deluxe models come with advanced features such as automatic heating of milk and customizable beverage settings. These machines are easy-to-use and feature a sleek style that will look great on your kitchen counter.
Both the X model and the Deluxe model have a large reservoir, as well as a slim body. Centrifusion, a brand new extraction technique, makes up to 7,500 revolutions per minute to brew the coffee or espresso. This creates an even, consistent crema that is highly saturated even in smaller cups.
Nespresso's capsules are a bit more expensive than third-party compatible pods that are sold in supermarkets and a variety of online retailers, but they have a nice range of flavors and intensity levels to select from. The company also offers limited-edition products. The machines are very easy to use and the Vertuoline requires fewer steps than the original Nespresso line which only produces espresso.
The Vertuoline also has two sizes of capsules - the smaller espresso size and the gran lungo size -- for those who prefer smaller drinks. The larger mug and alto capsules are suitable for hearty cups 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 high-spec machine that's constructed from durable and attractive materials. It's a bit more expensive than the other models we tried, but it provides excellent, reliable performance with an attractive design that can blend into any kitchen.
The X7.1 utilizes a brand new patent-pending system that reads the custom barcode on each capsule to identify it. It is then pre-wets it and infuses the correct amount of distilled water. This is a major benefit for those who want to enjoy hassle-free automation. It may frustrate users who like to alter settings and choose their own brew's size or strength. The machine can dispense espresso double espresso, gran lungo, alto and mug drinks, with a silky layer of crema.
In addition to its technology for brewing, the X7.1 has a number of other characteristics that make it stand out. It is among a handful of coffee makers we tested to have a height-adjustable tray for adjusting the size and shape the coffee cup. It also comes with a stainless-steel milk jug that can be used to make lattes and cappuccinos. The X7.1 also includes an energy-saving sleep mode as well as a detachable pod holder to help with cleaning.
It is compatible with most Keurig K-Cups and Nespresso capsules as well as Bruvi's own B-Pods. These pods are different 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 has apps compatibility and can be set to brew on a remote basis and according to a schedule. It has an ice wand, which can be used to make cappuccinos or lattes frothy.
3. Grind One
If you're not a huge fan of the plastic-y Nespresso pods or are looking for something that isn't so bulky, the Stockholm-designed Grind One may be the ideal choice for you. Two members of the Real Homes team have been testing it in their kitchens, and both absolutely love it. It's a sleek stainless steel geometric machine that looks stylish and is easy to use. Simply insert the pod, choose whether you'd like 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 off with hot or cold milk as you wish.
The great thing about 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 year to degrade, but the pods are also organic and have no plastic. They cost about 50p each, and you can dispose of them into your garden compost or food waste bin after 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 is more expensive than many Nespresso pod machines, but it's an elegant, well-designed, and versatile machine. It is also the smallest that means it doesn't need any counter space. It comes with a raised tray that locks on to a series notches along with the waste bin to adjust the height.
4. Grind 2
This pod machine is perfect for those who like having a quick cup of coffee. It can brew a quick or long shot, and has three different settings for temperature and extraction. Our coffee aficionado was impressed by its ability to create an excellent espresso. Its temperature and crema (which should have a chestnut colour that lasts until the final sip and is a cosy shade of brown) were excellent. Its sleek design, as its strong and attractive materials, made it stand out among the crowd.
Our coffee aficionado also tested the Grind One for its ease of use. The robust switch is pleasant to use, and has the option of programming your favorite long or short shot. It also features an easy-to-read display. You can even select whether to automatically pour a shot of hot water with your espresso, which helps the grounds settle and improves the flavour of your drink. A milk frother is also included, which makes this pod coffee maker an excellent all-rounder.
Another advantage of these machines is that they remove the messy parts out of making espresso grinding, dosing and tamping the ground beans. This means that there are fewer items that have to be cleaned and reused which makes them a better choice for those without much kitchen space. If you do want to broaden your options with a separate milk maker, a separate one allows you to make lattes and cappuccinos too. You can also choose a manual press, such as the Aeropress which has a lower carbon footprint and a richer flavor than a machine. However, it does require more effort from you and we wouldn't recommend it to everyone.
5. Lavazza Idola
Contrary to the more expensive Lavazza Voicy pod coffee maker, this model doesn't include a milk frother but is ideal for those who love espresso, ristretto or caffe lungo. It's also one of the quietest machines available which means you can enjoy your morning cup of coffee while your kids are asleep.
You can programme the size of your cup according to your mood and there's the option of the temperature to increase to push your brew through at the press of an button. You can also keep track on maintenance by getting alerts when the capsule bin is empty or when the water tank needs to be topped up.
The machine is not able to frost milk however it can be used to make cappuccinos or flat whites using the use of a separate container. There are plenty of positive reviews from buyers on Amazon and at John Lewis. They praise the quiet operation and various options offered by the machine, such as different lengths of brews as well as a good capacity for capsules that are used.
While there aren't a huge amount of customer reviews, the general consensus is that this is a great value pod coffee machine for those who want a simple setup. It's more expensive than the Nespresso Vertuo Pop but comes with the best Lavazza pods. It's also one of the most quiet machines available. coffeee 's not ideal if need to make more than two kinds of coffee though we'd suggest one of our top choices if that's what you're looking for. For more information, read our full Lavazza Idola review.