(Image: https://cdn.freshstore.cloud/template/images/778/14409/coffeee-logo-300x100-png.png)Best Coffee Machine Pods
Pod coffee machines make it simple to get your caffeine fix in the morning. Unlike a traditional machine they can dispense pre-packed pods of ground coffee or espresso to accelerate the process.
(Image: https://cdn.freshstore.cloud/offer/images/778/16843/smeg-bcc02whmuk-bean-to-cup-coffee-machine-retro-50-s-style-steam-wand-matte-white-16843.jpg)For the best rated coffee machines pod coffee machine, select one that offers the most options for adjusting the size of your drink and temperatures. Find out if the machine is compatible with reusable pods.
1. Nespresso Vertuo
Nespresso is the leader in pod brewing and is a favourite among coffee lovers. The capsules and machines of the company are highly rated in both quality and sustainability. The capsules are constructed of 80 percent recyclable materials and are compostable. They are made of less plastic and have a lower carbon footprint than traditional coffee bags. Nespresso also collaborates with green-certified organizations to promote fair labor practices and responsible farming practices.
The Nespresso Vertuo line includes several machines that make an incredibly delicious and rich cup of coffee or espresso that has a great crema. The VertuoPlus X and VertuoPlus Deluxe models come with advanced features like automatic heating of milk and adjustable drink settings. These machines are easy-to-use and feature a sleek style that will look great on your kitchen counter.
Both the X and Deluxe models come with a huge water reservoir and a slender machine body. They come with an innovative extraction technology known as Centrifusion that uses up to 7,000 rotations per minute to brew the coffee or espresso. This technique helps create a consistent and smooth crema with a high degree of saturation, even in smaller cups.
Nespresso capsules are more expensive than compatible pods from third parties sold in grocery stores and online retailers. However, they offer an array of flavors and intensities. The company also releases limited-edition products. The machines are very easy to use, and the Vertuoline has fewer steps than the original Nespresso line which only produces espresso.
Vertuoline offers two sizes of capsules that are smaller espresso sizes and the gran lungo size - to suit those who prefer drinks with a shorter length. The larger mug capsules as well as alto capsules can be used for mug-sized drinks requiring a more intensely roasted cup of coffee. Contrary to other pod machines we tried this one, the Nespresso Vertuoline also makes a good cup of drip coffee.
2. Illy X7.1
This pod coffee maker is elegant, high-quality machine built with tough and attractive materials. It is a little more expensive than the other machines we tested but it offers excellent, reliable performance with an attractive design that will fit in with any kitchen.
The X7.1 utilizes a patent-pending system that reads the barcodes on every capsule to identify them. It then pre-wets and infuses the correct amount of distillate water. This is a great plus point for those who prefer a simple automated, hands-free. It can be frustrating for those who like to alter settings and select their own brew size and strength. The machine can serve espresso drinks, double espresso drinks, mugs, gran longo and alto drinks, all topped with a layer of silky crema.
In addition to its coffee brewing technology, the X7.1 comes with a variety of other features that make it stand out. For instance, it's one of the only coffee machines we've tested that has 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 that can be used to make lattes and cappuccinos. The X7.1 comes with a low-energy sleeping mode and a detachable holder for pods, making cleaning simpler.
Compatible with All Keurig K-Cups, Nespresso capsules Compatible with all Keurig K-Cups, Nespresso capsules, and Bruvi B-Pods. These pods are different from K-Cups and other popular pods since they are made of ground coffee instead of a tea bag and they have more caffeine than regular coffee. The Bruvi also has apps compatibility and can be set to brew on a remote basis and according to a schedule. It comes with an ice wand, which can be used to make cappuccinos and lattes frothy.
3. Grind One
If you're not a huge fan of Nespresso pods made of plastic or you're seeking something that's not so bulky, the Stockholm-designed Grind One may be the ideal choice for you. Two members of the Real Homes team have been testing it in their kitchens, and both really love it. It's a sleek stainless steel geometric machine, that looks stylish and is simple to use. Simply place the pod, select whether you want a lungo or a short express and press the button. The flashing light indicates whether the coffee is in the process of brewing or is ready. There is no milk carafe or steam wand, but you can add hot or cold milk to your coffee as you please.
This machine is designed to work with Grind’s own compostable, recyclable and reusable pods. So not only are you reducing your coffee waste (which can take hundreds of years to break down) but the pods themselves are made of no plastic and are organic. They cost around 50p each, and you can dump them into your food waste bin or garden compost once they're empty.
The Grind One costs PS275 and you can purchase it with an option that includes milk frothers for an extra PS325. It is more expensive than many Nespresso pod machines, but it is an elegant, well-designed, and versatile machine. It's also the smallest and therefore won't require the most counter space. It comes with a raised tray that latches on to a series notches and the waste bin to adjust the height.
4. Grind 2
This pod machine is perfect for those who enjoy a quick cup of coffee. It can brew a short or long shot, with 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 until the final sip and is a cosy shade of brown) were perfect. Its elegant design, as well its durable and attractive materials, helped it stand out from the other brands.
Our coffee aficionado also tested the Grind One for its ease of use. The heavy-duty switch is comfortable to use and allows you to program your preferred short or long shot, as well as a clear display. You can also choose to automatically pour hot water when you drink the espresso, which helps the grounds settle and enhances the flavor of your beverage. A milk frother is also included, making this pod coffee maker an excellent all-rounder.
Another advantage of these machines is that they remove the messy bits out of making espresso grinding dosing, tamping and grinding the beans that have been ground. This means that there are fewer items that have to be cleaned up and recycled which makes them a better choice for those without much kitchen space. If you're looking to expand your options you can use a separate milk frother to make lattes and cappuccinos. Alternatively, you could choose an manual coffee maker, such as the Aeropress which offers a low carbon footprint with an opulent taste that the machine. It's a bit more work, which means it's not 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 drink your morning coffee while your children are asleep.
You can set a cup size that is suitable for your taste and choose to boost the temperature to help your brew go through faster at the touch of one button. It's easy to keep on top of maintenance with alerts to notify you when the capsule bin needs emptying or the water tank is low.
The machine does not do any frost, but you can make cappuccinos and flat whites using an additional milk container. A lot of buyers have left favorable reviews on Amazon and John Lewis. They laud the quiet operation and flexible choices offered by the machine, which includes different lengths of brews as well as a good capacity for capsules that have been used.
While there's not a huge number of customer reviews, the general consensus is that this is an excellent value pod coffee machine for those who prefer 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 one of the quietest machines around. It's not the best bean to cup espresso machine choice if you are looking to create more than two types of coffee though 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.