Best Coffee Machine Pods
Pod coffee machines make it simple to get your caffeine fix in the morning. They are faster than traditional machines because they utilize pre-packaged pods to dispense ground coffee or espresso.
Select a pod coffee maker that allows you to adjust the temperature and drink size. Also, make sure that the machine can accommodate the use of reusable pods.
1. Nespresso Vertuo
Nespresso is the market leader in pod brewing, and a favorite among espresso lovers. The capsules and machines made by the company are highly rated in terms of quality and sustainability. The capsules are made from 80 percent recycled material and can be composted. They contain less plastic and have a lower carbon footprint than traditional coffee bags. Nespresso also partners with green-certified organizations to promote fair work practices and sustainable farming.
The Nespresso Vertuo line includes several machines that produce an incredibly delicious and rich cup of coffee or espresso that has a perfect crema. The VertuoPlus X and VertuoPlus Deluxe models offer advanced features like automatic heating of milk and customizable drinks settings. These machines are easy-to-use and feature a sleek design that looks stunning on your kitchen counter.
Both the X and Deluxe models come with a huge water reservoir as well as a slim machine body. They are equipped with a revolutionary new extraction technology called Centrifusion that uses up to 7,000 revolutions per minute to brew the coffee or espresso. This creates an even, consistent crema that is saturated to a high degree 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 an excellent selection of flavors and intensity levels to choose from. The company frequently offers limited-edition items as well. The machines are very user-friendly, and the Vertuoline requires fewer steps than the initial Nespresso line which only produces espresso.
Vertuoline offers two sizes of capsules that are smaller espresso sizes and the larger 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 a more intensely roasted cup of coffee. The Nespresso Vertuoline makes a great cup of drip coffee, unlike some of the other pod machines that we tried.
2. Illy X7.1
This pod coffee maker is a top-quality machine made from tough and attractive materials. which coffee machines are best 's a bit more expensive than the other models we tested but it offers an excellent, reliable performance. It also has an attractive design that can fit in with any kitchen.
The X7.1 features a revolutionary patent-pending system which reads the bespoke barcode on each capsule to determine. It then pre-wettes and infuses the correct amount of water in a controlled manner. This is a major benefit for those who want to enjoy hassle-free automation. However, it could be a problem for those who love to alter settings and choose their own brew strength or size. The machine can dispense espresso double espresso, gran lungo, mug and alto drinks with a fine layer of crema.
The X7.1 is not only an absolute standout in its brewing capabilities, but also for its other features. For example, it is one of the few coffee machines we have tested that offers the ability to adjust the height of the drip tray to optimise the size and shape of the coffee mug. It also comes with a stainless-steel milk jug to make lattes or cappuccinos. The X7.1 also comes with an energy-saving sleep function and a detachable pod holder 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 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 is also compatible and can be programmed to brew at a remote location or on 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 too bulky, then the Stockholm-designed Grind One may be the most suitable option for you. Two members of the Real Homes' team have tried it in their kitchens and they both love it. It's a sleek stainless-steel geometric machine that looks stylish and is easy to use. Simply place the pod, select whether you'd prefer a lungo, or a short express, and press the button. The flashing light will inform you when it's done, and then the coffee starts to come out. There's no steam wand or milk carafe, but you can top your coffee with hot or cold milk if you like.
The best part about this machine is that it's made to work with Grind's reusable, plastic-free and home compostable coffee pods. Not only will you reduce your coffee waste which can take hundreds of years to degrade and degrade, but the pods are also organic and contain no plastic. They cost about 50p each and you can throw them into your garden compost or food waste bin when they are empty.
The Grind One costs PS275 and you can get it with the addition of milk frothers for an additional PS325. It's more expensive than a lot of Nespresso-branded pod machines but it's a stylish, well designed, and versatile machine. It's also the most compact of the bunch so it won't take up too much countertop space, and it also has a raised drip tray that latches onto the sides of 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 an espresso shot in a short time or a long shot using three different extraction settings and temperature. Our coffee aficionado was impressed by its ability to make an excellent espresso. Its crema (which should be a cozy chestnut color that lasts until the last sip) and temperature were right on. Its sleek design and tough, attractive materials also made it stand out from other brands.
Our coffee lover also tried the Grind One to see if it was user-friendly. The heavy-duty switch is a pleasant touch and allows you to programme your preferred short or long shot, and a crisp display. You can also choose to automatically pour a shot of hot water with your espresso, which will help the grounds settle and improves the flavor of your beverage. A milk frother is also included, which makes this pod coffee maker a great all-rounder.
These machines also take out the messy parts of espresso-making including grinding, dosing, and tamping of the beans. This decreases the amount of items that need to be cleaned and reused, making them a better option for those with limited kitchen space. If you're looking to broaden your options you can use an additional milk frother to make cappuccinos and lattes. Alternately, you can opt for a manual coffee maker like the Aeropress that combines a low carbon footprint with a richer taste than you get from a machine. However, it will require more effort on your part and therefore we don't recommend it for all.
5. Lavazza Idola
The model isn't as expensive as the Lavazza Voicy pod machine but it's ideal for those who enjoy espresso, ristretto, or caffe longo. It's also among the quietest machines on the market, meaning you can grab your morning cup of coffee while your kids are asleep.
You can set a cup size that is suitable for your taste, and you can also decide to increase the temperature to make the brew to go through faster at the touch of one button. You can also keep up with maintenance by receiving alerts when the capsule bin is empty or when the water tank is due to be filled up.
The machine isn't capable of frothing, but you can make cappuccinos and flat whites by using an additional milk container. There are plenty of positive reviews from buyers on Amazon and at John Lewis. They praise the machine's versatility and quiet operation. various lengths of brews.
There aren't many reviews from customers, however the consensus is that it's an excellent pod coffee maker if you prefer a simple set-up. It's more expensive than the Nespresso Vertuo Pop, but it comes with delicious tasting Lavazza pods and is among the quietest machines on the market. It's not ideal if you are looking to make more than two kinds of coffee however, so we'd recommend one of our top choices in case that's what you're searching for. For more information, read our full Lavazza Idola review.