Emilie Bunting asked 3 months ago
Best Coffee Machine Pods
Pod coffee machines make it easy to get your caffeine fix in the morning. In contrast to traditional machines they offer pre-packed pods of espresso or ground coffee to accelerate the process.
For the best pod coffee machine, select one that has the best compact coffee Machine options for adjusting the size of your drink and temperatures. Check if the machine is compatible with reused pods.
1. Nespresso Vertuo
Nespresso is a leader in pod-brewing, and a favourite of coffee lovers. The company’s machines and capsules are highly rated for both quality and sustainability. The capsules are constructed of 80 percent recycled material and can be composted. They also contain less plastic than traditional coffee bags, and have a an economized carbon footprint. Nespresso also partners with organizations that are green-certified to ensure fair labor practices and responsible farming.
The Nespresso Vertuo line includes several machines that make an incredibly delicious and rich cup of espresso or coffee with a good crema. VertuoPlus Deluxe and VertuoPlus models have advanced features, such as automatic milk heating as well as customizable drinks settings. These machines are simple to use and feature modern, sleek design that will look great in your kitchen.
Both the X model as well as the Deluxe model have a large reservoir, as well as a slim body. Centrifusion, a brand new extraction technology, uses up to 7,500 revolutions per minute to brew the espresso or coffee. This creates a consistent, smooth crema that is saturated to a great extent even in smaller cups.
Nespresso capsules are more expensive than third-party compatible pods available in supermarkets and online retailers. However, they offer a wide range of flavors and intensities. The company also releases limited-edition products. The machines of the company are very user-friendly and the Vertuoline has fewer steps than the original Nespresso line which only produces 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 great for hearty and mug-sized drinks that require a more intensely roasted coffee. The Nespresso Vertuoline makes a great cup of drip coffee, unlike some other pod machines we tested.
2. Illy X7.1
This pod coffee maker is a top-quality machine constructed from durable and attractive materials. It’s a bit more expensive than the other machines we tried, but it provides excellent, reliable performance with an attractive design that can be a perfect fit for any kitchen.
The X7.1 uses a new patented system which reads the bespoke barcode on each capsule to determine. It is then pre-wets it and infuses the appropriate amount of distillate water. This is a major benefit for those who like a simple automation. However, it could be a problem for those who like to tweak settings and choose their own brew strength and size. The machine can dispense espresso drinks double espresso drinks, gran longo, mug, and alto drinks, all topped with the smooth crema.
In addition to its technology for brewing, the X7.1 has a number of other characteristics that make it stand out. For example, it is one of the only coffee machines we have tested that has the ability to adjust the height of the 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 mode and pod holders that are detachable to simplify cleaning.
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 due to the fact that they are made up of ground coffee instead of a teabag and are more caffeine-rich than regular espresso. The Bruvi is also compatible and can be programmed to brew remotely or according to a set schedule. It also has an ice wand, which can be used to make lattes and cappuccinos frosty.
3. Grind One
If you’re not a huge fan of the plastic Nespresso pods or you’re looking for something less so bulky, the Stockholm-designed Grind One may be the most suitable 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 machine that looks chic and is user-friendly. Simply place a pod into the inlet, choose either an express or lungo and press the button. The light flashes to indicate whether the coffee is in the process of brewing or ready. There’s no milk cup or steam wand, but you can add cold or hot milk to your coffee as you please.
The beauty of this machine is that it’s designed to work with Grind’s own reusable, plastic-free and home compostable coffee pods. This means you’re not only decreasing the amount of coffee you waste (which could take hundreds of years to degrade) but the pods themselves have zero plastic and are also organic. They cost around 50p each and you could throw them into your food waste bin or garden compost after they’re empty.
The Grind One costs PS275 and you can purchase it with a bundle that includes milk frothers for an additional PS325. It is more expensive than other Nespresso pod machines, but it’s an elegant, well-designed, and versatile machine. It’s also the smallest of the bunch, which means it won’t take up enough countertop space, and it has a raised drip tray that connects to a series of notches alongside the waste bin for height adjustment.
4. Grind 2
This pod machine is ideal for those who love having a quick cup of coffee. It can brew either one shot that is short or a long shot with three different temperature and extraction settings. Our coffee lover was impressed by its capability to make an excellent espresso. Its temperature and crema (which should have a chestnut colour that lasts for the last sip and is a cosy shade of brown) were excellent. Its sleek design, as well its durable and attractive materials, made it stand out from the competition.
Our coffee aficionado also tested the Grind One for its ease of use. The heavy-duty switch is comfortable to use, with the option to programme your preferred length or short shot, as well as a clear display. You can also choose to automatically dispense a shot of hot water when you drink your espresso, which will help the grounds settle and improves the flavour of your drink. A milk frother that is useful is also included, making this pod coffee maker a great all-rounder.
Another benefit of these machines is that they eliminate the messy bits out of espresso making, namely grinding, dosing and tamping the beans. This means that there are fewer items that have to be cleaned up and reused and makes them a more suitable option for those who don’t have much kitchen space. If you want to broaden your options with a separate milk maker, a separate one will allow you 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 an opulent taste that you get from a machine. It’s more work, which means it’s not for everyone.
5. Lavazza Idola
In contrast to the more expensive Lavazza Voicy pod coffee maker, this model doesn’t include a milk maker however it is perfect for those who enjoy espresso, ristretto or caffe lungo. It’s also among the quietest machines available so you can sip your morning cuppa while the kids are still asleep.
You can programme the size of your cup to match your preferences and there’s also an option for an increase in temperature to push your brew through at the touch of one button. It’s easy to keep on top of maintenance too with alerts to inform you when the capsule bin needs emptying or the water tank is empty.
The machine does not do any frothing, however you can make cappuccinos as well as flat whites by using separate milk containers. Many buyers have left positive reviews on Amazon and John Lewis. They praise the quiet operation and the flexible choices offered by the machine, including different lengths of brews as well as an adequate capacity for capsules that are used.
There aren’t a lot of customer reviews but the consensus is that it’s a great pod-based coffee machine if you like an easy set-up. It’s more expensive compared to the Nespresso Vertuo Pop but comes with the best bean to cup coffee machine under £200 Lavazza pods. It is also one of the quietest machines available. If you’re looking to make a variety of coffees, we suggest that you check out one of our top alternatives. For more information, read our full Lavazza Idola review.