Best Coffee Machine Pods
Pod coffee machines make it simple to get your caffeine fix in the morning. In contrast to traditional machines, they dispense pre-packed pods of espresso or ground coffee to speed up the process.
Select a pod coffee maker that allows you to adjust the temperature and drink size. Also, ensure that the machine can handle the use of reusable pods.
1. Nespresso Vertuo
Nespresso is a leader in pod-brewing and is a favorite of coffee lovers. The capsules and machines made by Nespresso are highly rated in terms of quality and sustainability. The capsules are made from 80 percent recyclable materials and are fully compostable. They are made of less plastic and have a lower carbon footprint than traditional coffee bags. In addition, Nespresso partners with green-certified organizations to promote sustainable farming practices and fair labor practices.
The Nespresso Vertuo range includes several machines that make a rich tasty cup of coffee or espresso with a perfect crema. The VertuoPlus X and VertuoPlus Deluxe models offer advanced features, such as automatic heating of milk and adjustable drinks settings. These machines are simple to use and have modern and sleek designs that looks great in your kitchen.
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 known as Centrifusion that utilizes up to 7,000 revolutions per minute to brew the coffee or espresso. This process helps to create a smooth and consistent crema with a high level of saturation, even in smaller cups.
Nespresso's capsules are a bit more expensive than the third-party pods that are available in supermarkets and many online retailers, but they offer many different flavors and intensities to select from. The company regularly releases limited-edition products as well. The company's machines are also very user-friendly and the Vertuoline has fewer steps than the initial Nespresso line that produces only 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. which coffee pod machine is best as alto capsules can be used for mug-sized drinks requiring a more intensely roasted cup of coffee. The Nespresso Vertuoline makes a great cup of drip coffee, in contrast to some of the other pod machines that we tested.
2. Illy X7.1
This pod coffee maker is a high-spec machine that's constructed of durable and attractive materials. It's slightly more expensive than other machines that we've tested, but it delivers excellent, reliable performance and is a stylish 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 right amount of water in a controlled manner. This is a huge benefit for those who prefer a simple automated, hands-free. It can be frustrating for those who prefer to adjust settings and select their own brew size and strength. The machine can dispense espresso drinks double espresso drinks mugs, gran longo and alto drinks, all with the smooth crema.
In addition to its technology for brewing as well as its brewing technology, the X7.1 has a number of other characteristics that make it stand out. For example, it is one of the few coffee machines we've evaluated that comes with a height-adjustable drip tray to optimize the size and shape of the coffee mug. It comes with a stainless steel milk jug that can be used to make cappuccinos or lattes. The X7.1 also comes with an energy-saving sleep function and pod holders that are detachable to help with cleaning.
It's compatible with all Keurig K-Cups and Nespresso capsules as well as Bruvi's B-Pods. These pods differ from K-Cups and other popular pods because they contain ground coffee instead of a tea bag, and they contain more caffeine than regular coffee. The Bruvi is also app compatible and can be programmed to brew on a schedule. It also has a steam wand which can be used to make lattes and cappuccinos fluffy.
3. Grind One
The Grind One, designed in Stockholm could be the perfect choice for you if you don't like Nespresso's plastic capsules or want something that's not quite as heavy. Two members of the Real Homes' team have tested it in their kitchens, and both are awestruck by it. It's a sleek stainless-steel geometric machine, which looks stunning and is simple to use. You just pop a pod into the inlet, select either the short lungo or express, and then press the button. The flashing light indicates whether the coffee is brewing or is ready. There's no steam wand or milk carafe. However, you can top your coffee off with hot or cold milk as you like.
The great thing about this machine is that it's made to work with Grind's recyclable, plastic-free and compostable coffee pods. You'll not only reduce your coffee waste, which could take years to degrade however, the pods are also organic and have no plastic. They cost about 50p each, and you can dump them in your garden compost or in your food waste bin when they are empty.
The Grind One costs PS275 and you can get it with an option that includes milk frother for an extra PS325. It's more expensive than the majority of Nespresso-branded pods, however it's a sleek and well-designed versatile machine. It's also the smallest of the bunch, which means it won't take up too much countertop space, and it also has an elevated drip tray that latches onto a series of notches alongside the waste bin for height adjustment.
4. Grind 2
For those who love a quick and simple cup of coffee, this pod machine takes the hassle out making espresso. It can be used to brew an espresso shot in a short time or a longer shot, with three different extraction settings and temperatures. Our coffee aficionado was impressed by its ability to make an excellent espresso. Its crema (which should be a cozy chestnut color and last until the final sip) and temperature were right on. Its sleek design, as as its tough and attractive materials, helped it stand out among the crowd.
Our coffee enthusiast also tested the Grind One to see if it was user-friendly. The heavy-duty switch is satisfying to use and comes with the option of programming your preferred long or short shot. It also features a clear display. You can set it to automatically dispense hot water alongside your coffee to help the ground settle and improves the taste of your drink. This pod coffee maker comes with a useful milk frother which makes it an excellent all-rounder.
They also eliminate the sloppy parts of espresso making like grinding or dosing and tamping of the beans. This reduces the number of items to be cleaned and recycled which makes them a better option for those who don't have much kitchen space. If you do want to increase your options, a separate milk frother will allow you to make cappuccinos and lattes too. Alternatively, you could opt for an manual coffee maker, like the Aeropress which offers the benefits of a low carbon footprint and a richer taste than the machine. It does require more work, so it's not suitable for everyone.
5. Lavazza Idola
In contrast to the more expensive Lavazza Voicy pod coffee maker, this model does not have a milk frother, but is great for anyone who likes an espresso, ristretto or caffe lungo. It's also one of the most quiet machines, meaning you can sip your morning cup while your children are asleep.
You can set a cup size that suits your mood and decide to increase the temperature to help your beverage go through more quickly with the push of the button. It's easy to stay up with maintenance, too with alerts that notify you when the capsule bin requires emptying or when the water tank is empty.
The machine is not able to make frothy milk however it can be used to make cappuccinos and flat whites using an additional container. Many customers have left glowing reviews on Amazon and John Lewis. They praise the quiet operation as well as the flexibility of the machine, including different lengths of brews and a good capacity for used capsules.
There aren't a lot of customer reviews but the consensus is that it's a great pod-based coffee maker if you 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 among the quietest machines on the market. If you want to make various coffees, we suggest you check out one of our top choices. For more information, read our full Lavazza Idola review.