Ten Best Coffee Machine Pods That Really Improve Your Life

Best Coffee Machine Pods

Pod coffee machines take the pain out of getting your morning coffee fix. They are faster than traditional machines because they use pre-packaged pods to serve espresso or ground coffee.

If you are looking for the best pod coffee machine, select one that has the best small espresso machine options for adjusting drink sizes and temperatures. Find out if the machine is compatible with reused pods.

1. Nespresso Vertuo

Nespresso is a pioneer in pod-brewing and is a favorite of espresso lovers. The capsules and machines made by Nespresso are highly assessed in terms of their quality and sustainability. The capsules are made from 80 percent recyclable materials and are compostable. They are less plastic-based and have a lower carbon footprint than traditional coffee bags. In addition, Nespresso partners with green-certified organizations to promote responsible farming practices and fair labour practices.

The Nespresso Vertuo range includes several machines that make a rich, delicious cup of coffee or espresso with a great crema. The VertuoPlus X and VertuoPlus Deluxe models come with advanced features such as automatic heating of milk and customizable beverage settings. They are easy to operate and have a sleek, modern design that will look great in your kitchen.

Both the X and Deluxe models come with a huge reservoir of water and a slim machine body. Centrifusion, a brand new extraction technique, makes up to 7,500 rotations per minute for brewing the coffee or espresso. This creates a smooth, consistent crema that is highly saturated even in smaller cups.

Nespresso capsules are more expensive than compatible pods from third parties available in supermarkets and online retailers. However, they are able to offer many flavors and intensities. They also offer limited-edition products. The machines are easy to use 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 - for those who prefer shorter drinks. The larger alto and mug capsules are great for hearty cups that require a more intensely roasted coffee. The Nespresso Vertuoline makes a great cup of drip coffee, which is different from some other pod machines that we tried.

2. Illy X7.1

This pod coffee machine is a top-quality machine constructed from durable and attractive materials. It is a little more expensive than the other models we have tested, but it delivers an excellent, reliable performance. It also has an attractive design that will fit in with any kitchen.

The X7.1 uses a new patented system which reads the bespoke barcode on each capsule to identify it. It then pre-wets, infuses and dispenses the right 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 prefer to tweak 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 fine layer of crema.

In addition to its coffee brewing technology in addition to its brewing technology, the X7.1 has a number of other features that make it stand out. It is one of only a handful of coffee makers we tested to have a height-adjustable tray for adjusting the size and shape of the coffee mug. It also includes a stainless steel milk jug that can be used to make lattes and cappuccinos. The X7.1 features a sleep mode and a removable 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 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 also has apps compatibility and can be set up to brew at a remote location and on a schedule. It comes with a steam wand which can be used to make lattes and cappuccinos frothy.

3. Grind One

The Grind One, designed in Stockholm, may be the perfect choice for you if you don't enjoy Nespresso capsules that are plastic or want something that's not as heavy. Two members of the Real Homes' team have tested it in their kitchens and both are awestruck by it. It's a sleek stainless steel geometric machine that looks stylish and is very user-friendly. Simply place the pod, choose whether you'd like a lungo or a short express, and press the button. The light that flashes indicates whether the coffee is in the process of brewing or ready. There's no steam wand or milk carafe, but you can top your coffee with hot or cold milk however you'd like.

This machine is designed to work with Grind’s own compostable, recyclable and reusable pods. So not only are you cutting down on your coffee waste (which can take hundreds of years to break down) but the pods themselves have zero plastic and are organic. They cost around 50p each and you can dump them in your garden compost or in your food waste bin after they're empty.

The Grind One is PS275, and you can add a bundle with a milk frother for an additional PS325. It's more expensive than many of Nespresso-branded pods but it's a stylish and well-designed versatile machine. It's also the smallest and therefore won't require much counter space. It comes with a raised tray that latches onto a series of notches and the waste bin, which can be adjusted to the height.

4. Grind 2

For those who enjoy simple and quick cups of coffee, this pod machine removes the hassle making espresso. It can brew a quick or long shot, and has three different settings for temperature and extraction. Its ability to make a great espresso was awe-inspiring to our coffee lover. Its crema (which should be a cosy chestnut color that lasts until the final sip) and temperature were perfect. Its sleek style and durable appealing materials also helped it stand out from the rest.

Our coffee enthusiast also tested the Grind One to see if it was user-friendly. The heavy-duty switch is enjoyable to use, and offers the option of programming your preferred short or long shot. It also features a clear display. You can choose to automatically dispense hot water in your coffee, which helps the ground settle and enhances the taste of your drink. The pod coffee maker includes a handy milk frother making it a fantastic all-rounder.

Another advantage of these machines is that they remove the messy parts out of making espresso grinding and dosing the ground beans. This decreases the amount of items that have to be cleaned up and disposed of which makes them a better option for those with limited kitchen space. If you're looking to expand your options, you can use an additional milk frother to make lattes and cappuccinos. You can also opt for an manual coffee maker, like the Aeropress, which combines a low carbon footprint with more flavor than you get from a machine. It does require more work, so it's not for everyone.

5. Lavazza Idola

Unlike the more expensive Lavazza Voicy pod coffee maker, this model doesn't include a milk maker however it is perfect for those who love espresso, ristretto, or caffe lungo. It's also one of the quietest machines, so you can sip your morning cup while the kids are still sleeping.

You can programme a cup size to suit your preference and there's an option for a temperature boost to nudge your beverage to the touch of one button. You can also keep up on maintenance by getting alerts when the capsule bin is empty or when the water tank needs to be topped up.

The machine isn't capable of frothing, however you can make cappuccinos and flat whites with a separate milk container. A lot of buyers have left favorable reviews on Amazon and John Lewis. They are pleased with the quiet operation as well as the various options offered by the machine, including different lengths of brews, as well as the capacity to hold capsules that are used.

There aren't many customer reviews however the consensus is that it's a great pod-based coffee machine if you like an easy set-up. It's a bit more expensive than the Nespresso Vertuo Pop, but it comes with excellent tasting Lavazza pods and is among the quietest machines available. It's not the best choice if you are looking to create more than two types of coffee however we'd suggest one of our top-rated alternatives in case that's what you're searching for. For more information, read our full Lavazza Idola review.