Best Coffee Machine Pods
Pod coffee machines make it easy to get your caffeine fix in the morning. Contrary to conventional machines they can dispense pre-packed pods of ground coffee or espresso to make the process faster.
Choose a pod-based coffee machine that allows you to adjust the temperature and size of your drink. Also, ensure that the machine can accommodate the use of reusable pods.
1. Nespresso Vertuo
Nespresso is the market leader in pod brewing and is a favourite among coffee fans. simply click the following website page and capsules are highly rated in both quality and sustainability. The capsules are made from 80 percent recyclable materials and are compostable. They also have less plastic than traditional coffee bags and have a a lower carbon footprint. In addition, Nespresso partners with green-certified organizations to promote sustainable farming practices and fair labour practices.
The Nespresso Vertuo range includes several machines that produce a thick tasty cup of espresso or coffee with a good crema. VertuoPlus Deluxe and VertuoPlus models have advanced features, including automatic milk heating and adjustable drink settings. These machines are easy-to-use and feature a sleek design that will look great on your kitchen counter.
Both the X and Deluxe models have a large water reservoir as well as a slim machine body. They feature an innovative new extraction technique called Centrifusion which uses up to 7,000 rotations per minute to make espresso or coffee. This technique helps create an even and smooth crema that has a high level of saturation, even in smaller cups.
Nespresso's capsules are a bit more expensive than the third-party pods that are available in supermarkets and a variety of online retailers, but they have many different flavors and intensities to choose from. The company regularly releases limited-edition products as well. The machines are very easy to use, and the Vertuoline has fewer steps than the initial Nespresso line, which produces espresso only.
Vertuoline offers two sizes of capsules including the smaller espresso size and the gran lungo size - to suit 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 cup of coffee. The Nespresso Vertuoline makes a great cup of drip coffee, which is different from some of the other pod machines that we tried.
2. Illy X7.1
This pod coffee maker is a elegant, high-end machine constructed with tough and appealing materials. It's a bit more expensive than the other machines we tested but it offers excellent, reliable performance with an attractive design that will be a perfect fit for any kitchen.
The X7.1 utilizes a patent-pending system that scans the barcodes on every capsule to determine their identity. It is then pre-wets it and infuses the appropriate amount of distilled water. This is a huge plus for those who like a simple automation. It could be a problem for those who prefer to adjust settings and select their own brew's size or strength. The machine can dispense espresso drinks double espresso drinks gran longo, mug, and alto drinks, all covered with a layer of silky crema.
The X7.1 is not only an absolute standout in its brewing technology but also for other features. It is among one of the coffee machines we tested to offer the ability to adjust the height of the tray in order to alter the size and shape of the coffee cup. It also comes with a stainless steel milk jug to make cappuccinos and lattes. The X7.1 includes an energy-saving sleeping mode as well as a detachable holder for pods that makes cleaning simpler.
It is compatible with most Keurig K-Cups and Nespresso capsules as well as Bruvi's own B-Pods. These pods are different from K-Cups and other popular pods as they are made of ground coffee instead of a tea bag and they contain more caffeine than regular coffee. The Bruvi also comes with app compatibility and can be set to brew at a remote location and on a schedule. It also has a helpful steam wand that can be used to make foamy cappuccinos and lattes.
3. Grind One
If you're not a fan of the plastic Nespresso pods or are looking for something that isn't quite as bulky, then the Stockholm-designed Grind One may be the most suitable option for you. Two members of 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 just pop a pod into the inlet, choose either an lungo or express and then press a button. The flashing light indicates whether the coffee is brewing or is ready. There's no milk cup or steam wand, however you can add hot or cold milk to your coffee however 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 completely organic. They cost about 50p each and you can dump them in your garden compost or in your food waste bin after they're empty.
The Grind One costs PS275 and you can get it with the addition of milk frothers for an additional PS325. It's more expensive than many of Nespresso-branded pod machines however it's a sleek, well designed, and versatile machine. It's also the most compact of the bunch, which means it doesn't require any counter space, and it has an elevated drip tray that latches onto a series of notches next to the waste bin for height adjustment.
4. Grind 2
If you're looking for a simple and quick cup of coffee, this pod machine removes the hassle making espresso. 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 crema (which should be a warm chestnut colour and last until the last sip) and temperature were spot on. Its sleek design and sturdy 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 robust switch is pleasant to use, and offers the possibility of programming your preferred long or short shot. It also comes with an easy-to-read LCD. You can also choose to automatically pour hot water along with your espresso, which helps the grounds settle and enhances the flavor of your beverage. This pod coffee maker also comes with a useful milk frother making it a fantastic all-rounder.
Another benefit of these machines is that they remove the messy parts out of making espresso, namely grinding and dosing the beans that have been ground. This means that there are fewer items that need to be cleaned and disposed of and makes them a more suitable choice for those without much kitchen space. If you're looking to broaden your options you can use an additional milk frother to make lattes and cappuccinos. Alternately, you can choose a manual coffee press, like the Aeropress that combines the benefits of a low carbon footprint and more flavor than the machine. It's more work, so it's not suitable for all.
5. Lavazza Idola
Unlike the more expensive Lavazza Voicy pod coffee maker, this model does not have a milk frother however it is perfect for anyone who likes an espresso, ristretto, or caffe lungo. It's also among the quietest machines on the market which means you can enjoy your morning cuppa while the kids are still asleep.
You can program a cup size that is suitable for your taste and select to increase the temperature to make your beverage go through more quickly by pressing a button. It's simple to stay on top of maintenance too with alerts to notify you when the capsule bin requires emptying or the water tank is empty.
The machine isn't capable of frothing, but you can make cappuccinos and flat whites using a separate milk container. Many customers have left glowing reviews on Amazon and John Lewis. They laud the quiet operation and flexible choices offered by the machine, including different lengths of brews, as well as a good capacity for capsules that have been used.
Although there isn't a large number of customer reviews there is a general consensus that this is an excellent value pod coffee maker for those who prefer an easy set-up. It's more expensive than Nespresso Vertuo Pop but comes with the best Lavazza pods. It is also one of the quietest machines on the market. It's not the best choice if you need to make more than two kinds of coffee, however we'd suggest one of our top-rated options if that's what you're looking for. For more information, read our full Lavazza Idola review.