Best Coffee Machine Pods
Pod coffee machines make it easier for getting your morning coffee fix. In contrast to traditional machines they offer pre-packed pods of ground coffee or espresso to make the process faster.
Choose a pod coffee machine that lets you adjust the temperature and cup size. Also, ensure that the machine is able to accommodate reusable pods.
1. Nespresso Vertuo
Nespresso is a leader in pod-brewing and is a favorite of coffee lovers. The company's machines and capsules are highly rated for quality and sustainability. The capsules are constructed of 80 percent recyclable material and can be composted. They are made of less plastic and have a lower carbon footprint than traditional coffee bags. Additionally, Nespresso partners with green-certified organizations to promote responsible farming practices and fair labor practices.
The Nespresso Vertuo range includes several machines which produce a rich and delicious cup of coffee or espresso with a perfect crema. The VertuoPlus X and VertuoPlus Deluxe models feature advanced features like automatic heating of milk as well as customizable drinks settings. These machines are easy-to-use and feature a sleek design that looks stunning on your kitchen counter.
Both the X model as well as the Deluxe model have a large reservoir as well as a slim body. Centrifusion is a revolutionary extraction technique, makes up to 7,500 rotations per minute to brew the espresso or coffee. This process helps to create an even and smooth crema with a high degree of saturation, even in smaller cups.
Nespresso's capsules are more expensive than third-party compatible pods available in supermarkets and many online retailers, but they offer many different flavors and intensities to choose from. The company regularly releases limited-edition options as well. The machines are simple to operate and the Vertuoline is less complicated than Nespresso's original Nespresso that only makes espresso.
The Vertuoline also offers two different sizes of capsules -- the smaller espresso and gran lungo size -- for those who prefer shorter drinks. The larger alto and mug capsules are ideal for rich cups that require a more intensely roasted cup of 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 maker is sleek, high-spec machine made with tough and attractive materials. It's a little bit more expensive than the other machines that we tested, but it offers reliable, high-quality performance and is a stylish design.
The X7.1 utilizes a brand new patent-pending system which reads the bespoke 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 feature for those who prefer a simple hands-free automation. It can be frustrating for those who like to alter settings and select their own brew's size or strength. The machine is able to serve espresso drinks, double espresso drinks, gran longo, mug, and alto drinks, all topped with a layer of silky crema.
In addition to its technology for brewing, the X7.1 has a number of other features that make it stand out. For example, it is one of the few coffee machines we've tested that has an adjustable drip tray that can be adjusted to height to optimise the size and shape of the coffee mug. 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 function and pod holders that are detachable to make cleaning easier.
It's compatible with the majority of Keurig K-Cups and Nespresso capsules and Bruvi's own B-Pods. These pods differ from K-Cups or other popular pods because they contain ground coffee instead of a teabag and contain more caffeine than regular espresso. The Bruvi is app compatible and can be programmed to brew remotely or according to a timetable. It also has a useful steam wand that can be used to make foamy cappuccinos and lattes.
3. Grind One
If you're not a big 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 best option for you. Two members of the Real Homes team have been testing it out in their kitchens and both really love it. It's a sleek stainless steel geometric machine that looks chic and is user-friendly. Simply place a pod into the inlet, select either an express or lungo and press a button. The flashing light will tell you when it's done, and then the coffee begins to pour out. 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 compostable, recyclable and reusable pods. This means you're not only cutting down on your coffee waste (which could take hundreds of years to degrade) but the pods themselves don't contain plastic and are also organic. They cost around 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 frother for an additional PS325. It's more expensive than many of Nespresso-branded pods, however it's a sleek well-designed, well-constructed, and versatile machine. It's also the smallest the bunch, which means it won't take up enough countertop space, and it also has a raised drip tray that latches onto a series of notches alongside the waste bin for height adjustment.
4. Grind 2
This pod machine is ideal for those who like a quick cup of coffee. It can be used to brew one shot that is short or a long shot using three different temperature and extraction settings. Our coffee aficionado was impressed by its capability to make an excellent espresso. Its temperature and crema (which should have a chestnut hue that lasts until the last sip and is a cosy shade of brown) were flawless. Its sleek design, as well its strong and attractive materials, made it stand out from the other brands.
Our coffee expert also tried the Grind One to see if it was user-friendly. The heavy-duty switch is enjoyable to use, and offers the option of programming your preferred short or long shot. It also features a clear display. You can also choose to automatically pour hot water with your coffee to help the ground settle and enhances the taste of your drink. A milk frother that is useful is included, making this pod coffee maker an excellent all-rounder.
They also eliminate the sloppy parts of espresso making, such as grinding dosing, tamping, and dosing of the beans. It also reduces the amount of equipment that needs to be cleaned and reused. This makes them an ideal choice for those with limited kitchen space. If you want to broaden your options having a separate milk froth can be used to make cappuccinos and lattes as well. Alternatively, you could go with a manual coffee maker such as the Aeropress, which combines the benefits of a low carbon footprint and a richer taste than machines can provide. best automatic coffee machine 's more work, so it's not suitable for all.
5. Lavazza Idola
This model isn't as expensive as the Lavazza Voicy pod machine, however, it's a great choice for those who like espresso coffee, ristretto, or caffe longo. It's also one of the quietest machines, so you can drink your morning cup while the children are asleep.
You can program the size of your cup to match your mood and there's the option of an increase in temperature to push your brew to a higher temperature at the press of one button. You can also keep up with the maintenance schedule by receiving notifications when the capsule bin is empty or the water tank requires to be filled up.
The machine is not able to froth milk, but it can be used to make cappuccinos or flat whites using an additional container. A lot of buyers have left favorable 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 capsules that are used.
There aren't many reviews from customers, however the consensus is that it's a great pod-based coffee maker if you want an easy set-up. It's more expensive than the Nespresso Vertuo Pop, but it comes with great tasting Lavazza pods and is one of the quietest machines available. It's not the best choice if you need to create more than two types of coffee, however we'd suggest one of our top choices in case that's what you're searching for. For more information, read our full Lavazza Idola review.