Best Coffee Machine Pods
Pod coffee machines can make it easier for getting your morning caffeine fix. They are more efficient than traditional machines since they use pre-packaged pods to dispense ground coffee or espresso.
Choose a pod coffee machine that allows you to alter the temperature and size of your drink. Make sure the machine is compatible with refillable pods.
1. Nespresso Vertuo
Nespresso is the leader in pod brewing, and a popular choice for espresso enthusiasts. The machines and capsules of Nespresso are highly assessed in terms of their quality and sustainability. The capsules are constructed of 80 percent recyclable materials and are compostable. They are made of less plastic and have a smaller carbon footprint than traditional coffee bags. Additionally, Nespresso partners with green-certified organizations to promote sustainable farming practices and fair labour practices.
The Nespresso Vertuo range includes several machines which produce a rich and delicious cup of espresso or coffee with a great crema. VertuoPlus Deluxe and VertuoPlus models come with advanced features, including automatic milk heating and customizable drinks settings. They are simple to use and feature a sleek style that will look great on your kitchen counter.
Both the X and Deluxe models have a large reservoir of water and a slim machine body. Centrifusion is a revolutionary extraction technique, makes up to 7,500 rotations per minute to brew the espresso or coffee. This method helps create a smooth and consistent crema that has a high level of saturation, even in smaller cups.
Nespresso capsules are more expensive than third-party compatible pods sold in grocery stores and online retailers. However, they offer many flavors and intensities. coffeee offers limited-edition items as well. The machines are extremely user-friendly, and the Vertuoline requires less steps than the initial Nespresso line that produces only espresso.
The Vertuoline also has two sizes of capsules -- the smaller espresso and gran lungo size -- for those who prefer shorter drinks. The larger mug capsules as well as alto capsules are suitable for drinks that require the most robustly roasted cup of coffee. In contrast to some of the other pod machines that we have tested and tested, the Nespresso Vertuoline also makes a excellent drip coffee.
2. Illy X7.1
This pod coffee machine is a top-quality machine constructed of durable and attractive materials. It is a little more expensive than the other models we tested but it offers high-quality, reliable performance and an attractive design that will be a perfect fit for any kitchen.
The X7.1 features a revolutionary patent-pending system that reads the custom barcode on each capsule to identify it. It is then pre-wets it and infuses the proper amount of distilled water. This is a huge feature for those who desire a hassle-free hands-free automation. It may frustrate users who prefer to tweak settings and select their own brew size and strength. The machine can serve espresso drinks double espresso drinks gran longo, mug, and alto drinks, all covered with a layer of silky crema.
In addition to its technology for brewing as well as its brewing technology, the X7.1 comes with a variety of other characteristics that make it stand out. For example, it is one of the few coffee machines we have tested that offers an adjustable drip tray that can be adjusted to height to adjust the dimensions and shape of the coffee mug. It also comes with a stainless-steel milk jug to make cappuccinos or lattes. The X7.1 also includes an energy-saving sleep mode and pod holders that are detachable to make cleaning easier.
It's compatible with all Keurig K-Cups and Nespresso capsules as well as Bruvi's B-Pods. These pods are different from K-Cups and other popular pods as they are made up of ground coffee instead of a tea bag, and they have more caffeine than regular coffee. The Bruvi is app compatible and can be programmed to brew remotely or on a schedule. It has steam wand that 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 seeking something that's not too bulky, then the Stockholm-designed Grind One may be the most suitable option for you. Two members of the Real Homes' team have tested it in their kitchens, and they both love it. It's a sleek stainless steel geometric machine which looks stunning and is simple to use. You simply insert the pod, select whether you'd like a lungo or a short express, and press the button. The flashing light will tell you when it's completed, and the coffee starts coming out. There is no milk carafe or steam wand. However, you can add hot or cold milk to your coffee however you'd like.
The best part about this machine is that it was designed to work with Grind's reusable, plastic-free and home compostable coffee pods. Not only will you reduce the amount of coffee you waste which could take years to degrade and degrade, but the pods are also organic and contain no plastic. They cost about 50p each and you could throw them in your food waste bin or garden compost once they're empty.
The Grind One costs PS275 and you can get it with an option that includes a milk frother for an extra PS325. It is more expensive than many Nespresso pod machines, but it's stylish, well-designed and versatile machine. It's also the smallest, so it won't take the most counter space. It comes with a raised tray that locks on to a series notches, which can be used with the waste bin to adjust the height.
4. Grind 2
For those who enjoy simple and quick cups of coffee, this machine removes the hassle of making espresso. It can brew a quick or long shot, and has three different settings for temperature and extraction. Its ability to make a great espresso was awe-inspiring to our coffee lover. Its crema (which should be a warm chestnut color and last until the last sip) and temperature were spot on. Its sleek design and tough appealing materials also helped it stand out from the competition.
Our coffee expert also tried the Grind One to see if it was easy to use. The heavy-duty switch is enjoyable to use, and has the option of programming your favorite short or long shot. It also comes with an easy-to-read LCD. You can set it to automatically pour hot water with your coffee that helps the ground to settle and enhances the flavor of your beverage. This pod coffee maker also includes a handy milk frother, making it a great all-rounder.
Another benefit of these machines is that they remove the messy parts out of espresso making grinding, dosing and tamping the ground beans. They also reduce the number of equipment that needs to be cleaned and recycled. This makes them a great option for those with a limited kitchen space. If you want to expand your options having a separate milk froth will allow you to make cappuccinos and lattes as well. You can also go with a manual press, such as the Aeropress which has a lower carbon footprint and more affluent flavor than machines. However, it requires more effort on your part, so we wouldn't recommend it for everyone.
5. Lavazza Idola
This model is not as expensive as the Lavazza Voicy pod, but it's ideal for those who love espresso, ristretto, or caffe longo. It's also one of the most quiet machines, meaning you can drink your morning cup while your kids are still sleeping.
You can set a cup size that suits your mood and choose to boost the temperature to help the brew to go through faster with the push of a button. You can also keep up with maintenance by receiving alerts when the capsule bin is empty or when the water tank needs to be filled up.
The machine doesn't make frothy milk however it can be used to make cappuccinos and flat whites by using an additional container. Many buyers have left positive reviews on Amazon and John Lewis. They praise the quiet operation and flexible choices offered by the machine, such as different lengths of brews and an adequate capacity for used capsules.
While there aren't a huge number of reviews from customers, the general consensus is that this is a great value pod coffee maker for those who want a simple setup. It's a bit more expensive than the Nespresso Vertuo Pop, but it comes with excellent tasting Lavazza pods and is one of the quietest machines on the market. If you're looking to make several different coffees, we recommend you check out one of our top choices. For more information, read our full Lavazza Idola review.