Ten Best Coffee Machine Pods That Really Change Your Life
Best Coffee Machine Pods
Pod coffee machines can alleviate the stress of getting your morning caffeine fix. In contrast to traditional machines they can dispense pre-packed pods of espresso or ground coffee to make the process faster.
Choose a pod coffee machine that allows you to adjust the temperature and size of your drink. Find out if the machine is compatible with reusable pods.
1. Nespresso Vertuo
Nespresso is the market leader in pod brewing and is a favorite among espresso fans. Nespresso's capsules and machines are highly rated for quality and sustainability. The capsules are made of 80 percent recycled material and can be composted. They also have less plastic than traditional coffee bags and have less carbon footprint. Nespresso also partners with organizations that are certified green to ensure fair work practices and sustainable farming practices.
The Nespresso Vertuo line includes several machines that produce a rich and delicious cup of coffee or espresso that has a good crema. The VertuoPlus X and VertuoPlus Deluxe models come with advanced features such as best automatic bean to cup coffee machine heating of milk and adjustable drinks settings. These machines are easy-to-use and feature a sleek style that looks great on your kitchen counter.
Both the X and the Deluxe models have a large water reservoir and a slender machine body. They feature an innovative new extraction technique called Centrifusion that uses up to 7,000 rotations per minute to brew the best coffee machines or espresso. This produces a smooth, consistent crema that is highly saturated even in smaller cups.
Nespresso's capsules may be a little more expensive than the third-party pods that are available in supermarkets and many online retailers, but they have many different flavors and intensities to pick from. The company frequently releases limited-edition options as well. The machines are simple to use, and the Vertuoline is simpler than Nespresso's original Nespresso that only makes espresso.
The Vertuoline also has two sizes of capsules - the smaller espresso size and the gran lungo size for those who prefer smaller drinks. The larger mug capsules and alto capsules are suitable for mug-sized drinks requiring a more intensively roasted coffee. The Nespresso Vertuoline makes a great cup of drip coffee, unlike some of the other pod machines we tried.
2. Illy X7.1
This pod coffee maker is elegant, high-end machine constructed with durable and appealing materials. It is a little more expensive than the other models we tried, but it provides excellent, reliable performance with an attractive design that can fit in with any kitchen.
The X7.1 uses a new patented system that reads the custom barcode on each capsule to identify it. It then pre-wets and infuses the correct amount of water in a controlled manner. This is a huge plus for those who like a simple automation. It can be frustrating for those who like to alter settings and select their own brew size and strength. The machine is able to serve espresso double espresso, gran lungo alto and mug drinks with a smooth layer of crema.
In addition to its coffee brewing technology, the X7.1 has a number of other characteristics that make it stand out. It is among one of the best bean to cup coffee machine coffee machines we tested to offer a height-adjustable tray for adjusting the size and shape of the coffee mug. It also includes a stainless steel milk jug to make lattes and cappuccinos. The X7.1 also comes with an energy-saving sleep mode as well as a detachable pod holder to help with cleaning.
Compatible with all Keurig K-Cups, Nespresso capsules, and Bruvi B-Pods. These pods differ from K-Cups or other popular pods because they contain ground coffee instead of a teabag and contain more caffeine than regular espresso. The Bruvi is app compatible and can be programmed to brew according to a timetable. It also has steam wand that can be used to make cappuccinos or lattes frosty.
3. Grind One
If you're not a fan of the plastic-y Nespresso pods or you're seeking something that's not too bulky, then the Stockholm-designed Grind One may be the best coffee machines option for you. Two members of the Real Homes' team have tested it in their kitchens, and they both adore it. It's a sleek stainless-steel machine that looks stylish and is extremely easy to use. You just pop a pod into the inlet, choose either a short lungo or express, and then press the button. The light that flashes indicates whether the coffee is brewing or is ready. There's no milk cup or steam wand, but you can add hot or cold milk to your coffee however you'd like.
This machine is designed to work with Grind's own reusable, recyclable and compostable pods. So not only are you decreasing the amount of coffee you waste (which can take hundreds of years to break down) but the pods themselves don't contain plastic and are also organic. They cost around 50p each, and you can dispose of them into your garden compost or food waste bin after they're empty.
The Grind One is PS275, and you can also add the milk frother to it for an additional PS325. It is more expensive than most Nespresso pod machines, but it's an elegant, well-designed, and versatile machine. It's also the most best compact coffee machine and therefore won't require the most counter space. It has an elevated tray that snaps on to a series notches along with the waste bin, which can be adjusted to the height.
4. Grind 2
If you're looking for simple and quick cups of coffee, this machine takes the hassle out making espresso. It can make an espresso shot in a short time or a longer shot, with three different extraction settings and temperature. Our coffee aficionado was impressed by its capability to make an excellent espresso. Its crema (which should be a cozy chestnut colour and last until the final sip) and temperature were right on. Its sleek design and tough attractive materials also made it stand out from other brands.
Our coffee lover also tested the Grind One for its ease of use. The heavy-duty switch is enjoyable to use, and has the possibility of programming your preferred short or long shot. It also features an easy-to-read display. You can also choose to automatically pour hot water when you drink your espresso, which will help the grounds settle and enhances the taste of your drink. A milk frother that is useful is also included, which makes this pod coffee maker a great all-rounder.
These machines also remove the messy elements of espresso-making like grinding, dosing, and tamping of the beans. This reduces the number of items that have to be cleaned and reused and makes them a more suitable option for those who don't have much kitchen space. If you're looking to broaden your options, a separate milk frother will allow you to make cappuccinos and lattes as well. Alternatively, you could go with an manual coffee maker, such as the Aeropress, which combines a low carbon footprint with an opulent taste that the machine. However, it does require more effort from you and therefore we don't recommend it to everyone.
5. Lavazza Idola
Contrary to the more expensive Lavazza Voicy pod coffee maker, this model does not include a milk maker however it is perfect for anyone who likes an espresso, ristretto or caffe lungo. It's also among the quietest machines which means you can enjoy your morning coffee while your kids are asleep.
You can set a cup size that fits your needs, and you can also select to increase the temperature to make your brew go through faster with the push of the button. You can also keep up with the maintenance schedule by receiving notifications when the capsule bin is empty or the water tank requires to be topped off.
The machine isn't capable of frothing, however you can make cappuccinos as well as flat whites with an additional milk container. There are plenty of positive reviews from buyers on Amazon and at John Lewis. They praise the machine's flexibility, quiet operation, and various lengths of brews.
There aren't a lot of customer reviews but the consensus is that it's a great pod coffee maker if you prefer a simple set-up. It's more expensive than Nespresso Vertuo Pop but comes with the highest quality Lavazza pods. It's also one of the quietest machines available. It's not ideal if are looking 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.