Best Coffee Machine Pods
Pod coffee machines alleviate the stress of getting your morning caffeine fix. Unlike a traditional machine 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 size of your drink. Check if the machine is compatible with reusable pods.
1. Nespresso Vertuo
Nespresso is a market leader in pod-brewing, and a favourite of espresso drinkers. Nespresso's capsules and machines are highly rated in both quality and sustainability. The capsules are constructed of 80 percent recycled material and can be composted. www.coffeee.uk contain less plastic than traditional coffee bags, and have a a lower carbon footprint. Nespresso also collaborates with organizations that are green-certified to ensure fair labor practices and responsible farming practices.
The Nespresso Vertuo line includes several machines that produce delicious and rich cups of espresso or coffee with a perfect crema. The VertuoPlus X and VertuoPlus Deluxe models feature advanced features like automatic heating of milk as well as customizable drink settings. These machines are easy to operate and have modern and sleek designs that will look great in your kitchen.
Both the X and the Deluxe models have a large water reservoir as well as a slim machine body. They feature an innovative new extraction technology called Centrifusion which 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 great extent even in smaller cups.
Nespresso's capsules are more expensive than the third-party compatible pods that are sold in supermarkets and many online retailers, but they come with a a nice range of flavors and intensity levels to choose from. The company regularly releases limited-edition products as well. The machines are easy to operate and the Vertuoline is simpler than the original Nespresso which produces only espresso.
Vertuoline offers two sizes of capsules including the smaller espresso size and the larger lungo size - to suit those who prefer shorter drinks. The larger mug capsules as well as alto capsules can be used for drinks that require a more intensely roasted cup of coffee. Unlike some of the other pod machines we tested and tested, the Nespresso Vertuoline also makes a excellent drip coffee.
2. Illy X7.1
This pod coffee maker is a elegant, high-end machine constructed with tough and attractive materials. It's a little bit more expensive than other models we've tested, however it provides excellent, reliable performance and features a beautiful design.
The X7.1 uses a patented system that reads the barcode on each capsule to identify them. It then pre-wets and infuses with the appropriate amount of distilled water. This is an excellent benefit for those who want hassle-free hands-free automation. It could be a problem for those who prefer to tweak settings and select their own brew size or strength. The machine can serve espresso drinks, double espresso drinks, gran longo, mug, and alto drinks, all covered with layers of creamy crema.
The X7.1 isn't just an outstanding model in terms of its brewing capabilities, but it also has other features. It is among a few coffee machines that we tested to have an adjustable height tray that can be used to adjust the size and shape the coffee cup. It comes with a stainless steel milk jug to make cappuccinos or lattes. The X7.1 also comes with an energy-saving sleep mode and pod holders that can be detached to make cleaning easier.
Compatible with All Keurig K-Cups, Nespresso capsules and Bruvi B-Pods. These pods differ from K-Cups or other popular pods due to the fact that they contain ground coffee, instead of a teabag, and contain 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 comes with steam wand that can be used to make cappuccinos and lattes frosty.
3. Grind One
If you're not a huge fan of Nespresso pods made of plastic or you're seeking something that's not too bulky, then the Stockholm-designed Grind One may be the ideal choice for you. Two members of the Real Homes team have been trying it out in their kitchens and really love it. It's a sleek stainless-steel geometric machine, that looks super stylish and is easy to use. Simply place a pod into the inlet, select either a short lungo or express and then press a button. The flashing light will inform you when it's completed, and the coffee starts coming out. There's no steam wand or milk carafe, however you can top your coffee off with hot or cold milk however you'd like.
The best part about this machine is that it was designed to work with Grind's recyclable, plastic-free, and home compostable coffee pods. Not only will you reduce your coffee waste which can take hundreds of year to degrade however, the pods are also organic and have no plastic. They cost about 50p each and you could chuck them in your food waste bin or garden compost after they're empty.
The Grind One costs PS275 and you can get it with a bundle that includes milk frothers for an extra PS325. It's more expensive than other Nespresso pod machines, but it's a sleek, well-designed, and versatile machine. It's also the smallest the bunch so it won't take up too much countertop space, and it has an elevated drip tray that is secured to the sides of the waste bin to allow height adjustment.
4. Grind 2
For those who enjoy a simple and quick cup of coffee, this machine takes the hassle out of making espresso. It can brew a short or long shot, and has three different settings for temperature and extraction. Our coffee lover was impressed by its ability to create an excellent espresso. Its temperature and crema (which should have a chestnut hue that lasts for the last sip and is a cozy shade of brown) were flawless. Its elegant design, as well its strong and attractive materials, helped it stand out from the crowd.
Our coffee lover also tested the Grind One for its ease of use. The heavy-duty switch is satisfying to use and comes with the option of programming your favorite long or short shot. It also features an easy-to-read display. You can set it to automatically dispense hot water alongside your coffee to help the ground to settle and enhances the taste of your drink. The pod coffee maker comes with a helpful milk frother making it a fantastic all-rounder.
They also eliminate the messy elements of espresso-making like grinding or dosing and tamping of the beans. It also reduces the amount of equipment that needs to be cleaned and recycled. This makes them a good option for those with limited kitchen space. If you're looking to broaden your options, you can use a separate milk frother to make lattes and cappuccinos. Alternatively, you could go with a manual coffee maker like the Aeropress, which combines the benefits of a low carbon footprint and an opulent taste that machines can provide. However, it will require more effort on your part and therefore we don't recommend it for everyone.
5. Lavazza Idola
This model isn't as expensive as the Lavazza Voicy pod machine, but it's ideal for those who love espresso coffee, ristretto, or caffe longo. It's also one of the quietest machines, so you can sip your morning cup while the kids are still sleeping.
You can program a cup size that suits your mood and decide to increase the temperature to help the brew to go through faster at the touch of a button. It's easy to stay on top of maintenance with alerts to inform you when the capsule bin requires emptying or when the water tank is running low.
The machine does not froth milk however it can be used to make cappuccinos or flat whites using the use of a separate container. A lot of buyers have left favorable reviews on Amazon and John Lewis. They praise the machine's versatility, quiet operation, and various lengths of the brews.
While there's not a huge amount of customer reviews, the general consensus is that this is an excellent value pod coffee machine for those who like an easy set-up. It's more expensive than the Nespresso Vertuo Pop but comes with the highest quality Lavazza pods. It's also one of the quietest machines available. If you want to make various coffees, we suggest that you look at one of our top choices. For more information, read our full Lavazza Idola review.